Churches & Religion

In this image taken from video, Archbishop Jos? Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, addresses the body's virtual assembly on Wednesday, June 16, 2021.

U.S. Catholic bishops OK steps toward possible rebuke of Biden

June 18, 2021, 12:09pm Churches & Religion

U.S. Catholic bishops overwhelmingly approved the drafting of a “teaching document” that many of them hope will rebuke Catholic politicians, including President Joe Biden, for receiving Communion despite their support for abortion rights. Read story

In this photo taken May 5, 2021, Melanie Paige closes her eyes as she gets her first COVID-19 vaccination at her church, St. Matthew Christian Methodist Episcopal, in Milwaukee. It's one of the churches that was part of an effort with Pastors United, Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope, Souls to the Polls and the local health clinic Health Connections to get people vaccinated directly in churches.

Black community has new option for health care: The church

June 17, 2021, 4:16pm Churches & Religion

Every Sunday at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. Joseph Jackson Jr. praises the Lord before his congregation. But since last fall he’s been praising something else his Black community needs: the COVID-19 vaccine. Read story

Votes are collected on the first ballot for president of the Southern Baptist Convention during the denomination's annual meeting Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn.

Southern Baptists vote to debate sex abuse investigation

June 16, 2021, 8:58am Churches & Religion

Delegates at the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to have a floor debate on a proposed investigation into the denomination's handling of sexual abuse. Read story

Dr. Ronnie Floyd, center, president and CEO of the executive committee of the Southern Baptist Convention, speaks during the executive committee plenary meeting at the denomination's annual meeting Monday, June 14, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn.

Southern Baptist Convention faces push from the right

June 15, 2021, 8:39am Churches & Religion

The Southern Baptist Convention is electing a new president Tuesday amid a push to wrest control of the denomination by ultraconservatives who say some current leaders are too liberal on issues that include race and the role of women in ministry. Read story

f FILE - In this May 1, 2020, file photo, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez leads a livesteam service at an empty Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. In a May 22, 2021 memo, Gomez confirmed that the issue of whether or not to press ahead with an initiative that could -- at least implicitly - rebuke President Joe Biden for receiving Communion while supporting abortion rights, would be on the national meeting's agenda.

U.S. Catholic bishops meet amid divisions on Communion policy

June 14, 2021, 11:54am Churches & Religion

When U.S. Catholic bishops convene virtually for a national meeting Wednesday, they will be divided ideologically as well as physically. They’re split over whether to press ahead with an initiative that could — at least implicitly — rebuke President Joe Biden for receiving Communion while supporting abortion rights. Read story

Racial tensions simmer as Southern Baptists hold key meeting

Dwight McKissic, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, speaks during services in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday, June 6, 2021. In December 2020, McKissic was one of the co-signers of a statement by a multiethnic group of Southern Baptists asserting that systemic racial injustice is a reality. "Some recent events have left many brothers and sisters of color feeling betrayed and wondering if the SBC is committed to racial reconciliation," the statement said. (AP Photo/Richard W.

Race-related tensions within the Southern Baptist Convention are high heading into a national meeting next week. The election of a new SBC president and debate over the concept of systemic racism may prove pivotal for some Black pastors as they decide whether to stay in the denomination or leave. Read story

Mormon sex therapist’s ouster stirs worries of shame culture

Natasha Helfer poses for a portrait, Monday, June 7, 2021, in Holladay, Utah. A decision by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to kick out Helfer, a sex therapist who had publicly challenged the faith's policies on sexuality, has triggered concerns from mental health professionals. They fear the move will further embolden a culture of shame that stops church members from seeking help.

Sex therapist Lisa Butterworth has long been willing to delve into sensitive sexuality questions with clients who belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They seek her out to have open and frank conversations about the faith’s strict rules. Read story

Deacon helps raise mental health awareness

Laverne Williams, 70, of East Orange, N.J., is director of Promoting Emotional Wellness and Spirituality Program known as PEWS Program in Springfield, N.J.

As an ordained deacon, Laverne Williams noticed in the 1990s that many congregation members at Black churches often went to clergy members for help with mental health issues. But honest conversations about mental health in churches were not regular occurrences then, and health was a “very small part of the… Read story